Orthotylus marginalis
This record describes Orthotylus marginalis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The genus Orthotylus contains several mainly green bugs which are very hard to separate with photographs. Noting the hostplant can be helpful, but a specimen is better. O. marginalis is about 6mm in length with a dense covering of pale hairs. The first antennal segment is brownish and the veins on the wing membranes are green. Genitalia: left clasper large, protruding from tip of abdomen, resembling a two-pronged pitchfork. Please state how you reached an identification for this record. Feeds on both plant and animal material. There is one generation per year and the species overwinters as an egg.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on both plant and animal material. There is one generation per year and the species overwinters as an egg.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Very common.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Orthotylus marginalis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Orthotylus marginalis (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthotylus marginalis
What is Orthotylus marginalis?
Orthotylus marginalis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
When is Orthotylus marginalis active?
Orthotylus marginalis: seasonal activity - June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Orthotylus marginalis?
Feeds on both plant and animal material. There is one generation per year and the species overwinters as an egg.